Prioritize You: Mind, Body, and Community

Your Mental Health Matters — Every Day

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a national movement to raise awareness, break down stigma, and promote mental wellness for everyone. This year, we’re embracing a powerful theme:

“Prioritize You: Mind, Body, and Community.”

In a world that often pushes us to keep going, give more, and do it all, we want to pause and say this: Your well-being comes first. Mental health isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation of how we think, feel, connect, and live.

This month is a reminder — and an invitation — to check in with yourself, support others, and treat your mental health with the same care and attention as your physical health.

What Is Mental Health, Really?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It shapes how we cope with stress, form relationships, process experiences, and make decisions.

Good mental health doesn’t mean being happy all the time — it means having the tools, space, and support to manage life’s ups and downs. And just like we take care of our physical bodies with food, rest, and movement, our minds need care, too.

Everyone has mental health — and everyone benefits from understanding and nurturing it.

Self-Care Is Not Selfish

Let’s be clear: self-care is not indulgent. It’s necessary.

Caring for your mental wellness means setting boundaries, taking breaks, and doing what fuels you — emotionally, mentally, and physically. That might be saying “no,” drinking more water, unplugging from social media, or asking for support. Small choices add up to major impact.

When we take care of ourselves, we become stronger, more present, and better able to care for others. You don’t have to earn rest or compassion — you deserve it now.

The Power of Community and Connection

Mental health isn’t a solo journey — it thrives in connection. Loneliness, stress, and hardship can feel lighter when we know we’re not alone.

Whether it’s a quick check-in with a friend, a shared walk, a moment of deep listening, or showing up at a local event — community care is healing. Support doesn’t have to be formal to be powerful. Sometimes the most meaningful help is just being there.

We encourage you to reach out, stay connected, and offer space for others to do the same.

Seeking Help Is a Sign of Strength

There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. Whether it’s therapy, a support group, or a trusted conversation, reaching out shows strength, self-awareness, and courage.

You don’t need to wait until things are unbearable. Talking to someone about stress, anxiety, grief, or life transitions is a healthy step toward healing. Help exists — and you are worthy of it.

You Are Not Alone — And You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone

If you or someone you know needs support, here are resources that can help:

• Call/Text 988 – 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  
• Visit nami.org/help – National Alliance on Mental Illness
  
• Contact a local therapist, school counselor, or your workplace’s EAP program
  

Asking for help doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means you value yourself enough to keep going.

Join the Movement

All month long, we’re sharing stories, tools, and reminders that mental wellness is for everyone. You’ll find inspiring content on our social channels, helpful check-ins, and opportunities to uplift yourself and your neighbors.

Use the hashtags #MentalHealthAwareness #PrioritizeYou #MindBodyCommunity to join the conversation.

And remember — every step you take toward healing matters. No act of self-care, connection, or support is too small.

Together, Let’s Build a Culture of Care

Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a campaign — it’s a call to action. Let’s look out for each other. Let’s speak openly. Let’s create communities where wellness is the norm, not the exception.

Because when we prioritize you — your mind, your body, your community — we all thrive.

 

Organized by Andrew Martinez | City of Country Club Hills